:-[Chapter 31]-:
Rhaegar saw the Sword of the Morning sighed slightly before starting his story.
"A traitor from Harrenhal managed to flee Harrenhal during the cleansing and to warn Ser Oswell. Learning of our divine actions here made the traitor turn his coat to the North. He negotiated a pact with the lord of Moat Cailin for my death and his freedom afterward. The heretic fled on his direwolf to rejoin his men in the North."
"What happened to that filthy traitor?" snarled the king, closing his fists in rage.
Ser Arthur unclasped a small object from his horse and lift it up, revealing it to be Ser Oswell Whent decapitated head.
:-[T.A.B]-:
Harry was riding on Hedwigs back for less than thirty minutes when they found Eddard Stark and his small group. Even if the reunion was joyful for everyone, no one lost time and they went back North immediately. All men were exhausted by their respective force march.
It seemed as the Old Gods favored them, however. They encountered no enemy patrols whatsoever. At first Harry thought it was just pure luck by after a day or two of recovering, the young wizard discovered a skin changer in Marcy, one of the crannogmen the group met from Moat Cailin.
Marcy was a small woman with long dark brown hair and boring brown eyes. She wasnt what Harry could class as beautiful but she wasnt ugly. She was always bouncing around, looking for enemy soldiers. She was able to warg with a raven, making her extremely useful for scouting ahead. The young lord talked a lot with her, interested in this branch of magic. She was only the second, after Lord Howland Reed, to have shown any kind of magical abilities.
When the small party arrived in the Neck, Harry felt a collective breath release from almost everyone. He himself was of course happy to be back in familiar ground but he remembered that he was taken from said ground days ago by a single man. A Faceless Man, to be sure, but a single man nonetheless. So, he decided to stay alert and keep Hedwig close to him, not that she minded at all. The raven-haired young man was pretty sure she would never leave his side ever again as soon as he leaves the Direwolves Tower.
Being back in the North and breathing its cold air war like bliss to him, even the damp one of the swamps. He knew he was being watched by every northerners present but didnt mind the extra scrutiny from his men.
"My lord?" said a voice, making Harry jolt slightly.
"Aye, what is it my good man?"
"There are talk about you... about that you have fought two kingsguards."
"Not quite." said Harry with a small smile but not presumptuous. "I have fought Ser Oswell Whent in a single duel and I won. We were interrupted by a man Oswell said was from Harrenhal. The man explained to us that the king had burned everyone in Harrenral, Lady Whent included. We were then once again interrupted but this time by none other than Ser Arthur Dayne, the Sword of the Morning. Ser Oswell, having learned about the action of that Mad King Rhaegar, decided to switch side and rejoin us." he continued.
The men were looking at him in awe at his action. They all knew he was a good swordman, but to beat a member of the kingsguard was something else entirely.
"We fought together against the Sword of the Morning. That is until Hedwig arrived and put Arthur Dayne to the ground. We manage to flee because of Ser Oswell decided to take on his brother in a single duel. You all know the rest of the story." finished the Lord of Moat Cailin.
The men were hanging at his words. Theyve waited a long time to hear about the fame duel. They still didnt know about who won yet and some of them were hoping to see a third kingsguards member betray the king and come to their side.
"All right, that is enough for the night." said Eddard Stark. "Time to rest. Everyone, we rest for a short five hours. I suggest you start thinking about sleeping. Me and Lord Winteerstorm will take first watch."
A chorus of Aye, my lord was heard within the small camp. Even in the Neck, Harry allowed no fire, not wanting to give away their position needlessly. Men were hungry for a good hot meal and the Lord of Moat Cailin knew it but stayed firm. He would offer them all a feast in their honor and would made Torrhen trained them all to be members of the Moats Wolves, his futures personal guards.
Eddard came near Harry and sat down.
"Weve found Robert, nearing death where you were taken. Care to explain how a man a consider a good friend was found in the North, surrounded by so many dead?"
"Ill keep that story for when we are at Moat Cailin, with your Lord Father, if you dont mind, Ned. I dont want to have to repeat myself twice but Ill tell you this since you and Robert are close friends. He has nothing to worry about. He and I have stood united against the Faceless Man."
"A Faceless Man!?" exclaimed Eddard, not able to keep his calm. Seeing the knowing look of Harry, he only chuckled and stop interrogating his friend. "Fine, fine." he said, lifting his hand up in surrender before taking his leave to take first watch.
:-[T.A.B]-:
Sura Winterstorm was almost dead with worries. Her husband had been kidnapped for days and no news of the small party had arrived since the Baratheon prisoner. The Lady of Moat Cailin had agreed with Lord Stark when he had ordered the southern lord to be in their dungeon while they waited for her husband. She was the one who had the idea to shackle him down to the bed. Even with the help of her liege lord, she was the one who ran Moat Cailin with an iron fist.
The men and women under her husbands rules were obeying her without a question or remarks. She was happy for it as it removed a lot of stress on her. Sura also decided to have private lesson with Ser Barristan. She didnt want to use a sword or a mace and she didnt saw herself as a warrior, but she was a Lady from the North and she would damn if she was caught without any mean to defend herself. Sura decided to learn hand to hand combat and some knives techniques. The old knight had of course quickly agreed to help her in secret, seeing no harm to help a lady wishing how to defend herself.
The Direwolf Tower was her new home and he absolutely loved it. It was grand and spacious and very practical. She was proud to be the first lady of Moat Cailin and to the town of Midgard. She knew what was expected of her. An Heir. What she didnt know however, was if Harry wanted a boy or a girl as her husband didnt have the same views as many men in Westeros.
Sura finished her last lesson with Ser Barristan when she was relaxing in her bath in her private room, atop the tower. She was enjoying a small moment of relaxion when a soft feminine voice interrupted her thoughts.
"Sura? Its me, Lyanna. Can I come in?"
"One moment Lady Stark!"
Sura was quick to get out of her bath and wiped herself off. After putting adequate clothes to receive a member of House Stark, the young lady opened the door. Lyanna Stark was there, with of course her protector, Lady Maege Mormont.
"I thought I told you to stop calling me Lady Stark. Its Lyanna to friends, Sura." said Lyanna but not unkindly.
"I know Lyanna, it is old habits and well... you are a Stark."
"One day Ill get you to permanently called me by my name." sighed the youngest girl. "Anyway, that is not what I wanted to tell you. Weve receive words from one of our scouts. A small group of Northerner are on their way. The scout thinks it is Neds group but he didnt want to risk it. Father wanted you to know, we are all going to the courtyard to wait for them."
Sura never dressed up more warmly faster in all of her life. Once she got out of her room, Torrhen was there, waiting for her with many guards. She knew the giant man was reproaching himself the capture of his lord and whent a little overboard with her security. The Lady of Moat Cailin tried many times to tell him that it was not his fault at all but the Household Captain didnt believe it. Only the return of his lord would remove his guilt.
The young brown-reddish woman followed Torrhen down the tower and within the courtyard where all of the Household was gathered in the great hope that their Lord was back. Rickard Stark was of course present with Benjen at his side. Ser Barristan Selmy and Ser Lewyn Martell were both behind the Starks, hand on their respective weapons, the sword and spear.
When she came out, she saw that Torrhen had called for more men to protect her to her great embarrassment. She still wasnt use to be the center of attention. Lord Rickard Stark saw her coming and saw that she didnt seem to know where to go.
"My lady, please, come at my side." said Rickard, lifting up his hand that Sura took immediately with a small blush. "If it is your husband and my son, you should be the very first thing he sees."
Sura nodded at that, wanting nothing else then see and hug her husband. Her attention was drawn by the sound of a horn, signaling to everyone the arrival of the group. The young woman joined her hands in prayer to the Old Gods and closed her eyes.
"By the Old Gods and even the New Gods, please let it be my husband, safe and sound. Please let it be Eddard Stark and all the men who have joined in this journey."
She opened her eyes and saw Lord Rickard smiling at her, nodding in gratitude. Sura heard the guard yell something and got a yell in return, but they were too far for her ears for her to know who it belonged too.
"Open the bloody gates you lazy cunts! Hes here!" screamed the gates captain, Rywen.
:-[T.A.B]-:
Harry was finally home. This journey proved to be far more exhausting than meet the eyes. He couldnt wait to take a long, hot bath. Preferably with his gorgeous wife. He was riding on his direwolfs back for the last few days and even Hedwig was getting tired of it. The sight of the Direwolves Gates almost gave him fluttered in his stomach.
"Were home." said the Lord of Moat Cailin, making the men cheered.
Once the small group arrive at the gate, Harry was able to see the formidable defenses for himself. Truly, his castle looked fierce from the outside.
"Who wishes to pass the gates of the North?" said a menacing voice, hiding behind the massive high walls.
"Lord Harry Winterstorm, the Lord of Moat Cailin." said Harry in a loud, clear voice.
"Open the bloody gates you lazy cunts! Hes here!" the young lord heard the mans scream, making him chuckled.
The gates opened wide before them, accepting their entry. Harry was the first to enter Moat Cailins courtyard. Right behind him was of course his friend Ned Stark and the rest of his future personal guard. The crowd was applauding and roaring their happiness at seeing their lord back. When words of his disappearance had traveled to Midgard, many prayed to the Old Gods every single night.
Hedwig got down a little to let her master down her back. Immediately, the young lord saw her, looking absolutely beautiful and looking like the lady she was. Harry was a little surprise at the many guards surrounding her and saw Torrhens touch in this. He would have to thank him also for this. Sura was smiling at him, tears of happiness in her eyes.
But the young lord had his duty to do first before he could enjoy his wifes warmth. He put his knee on the cold ground and spoke to his lord.
"My Lord Stark."
Rickard only put his hand on Harrys shoulder and smile a little.
"Lord Harry Winterstorm. We have much to discuss put I believe it can wait the day. You and you men may go rest. We will have a feast in your honour tonight. We have much to discuss as you will see. Now, I will let you to your wife, who is most anxious to see you."
Harry nodded at his lord before looking at his wife. He looked deep within her eyes and saw all the worries she had for him these last days. Tears of reliefs were showing and he couldnt stop himself to remove them with his thumb. She leaned into his touch, closing her eyes.
"Ive missed you, my wife."
"And I you, my husband." she answered in a soft happy voice. "I have prayed day and night for your safe return. I am happy that the Old Gods have granted my wishes." she continued before turning to Eddard, who was standing beside his friend. "My Lord Eddard Stark. No words can express my gratitude to you and your men for bringing my husband back safe and sound."
"My lady, I have only done what I knew Lord Winterstorm would have done for me and for my family. We are bound by more than simple friendship. True brotherhood united us." said the honorable Ned Stark.
"My love, can you make sure these men here are well fed tonight? They are my guests of honor." asked Harry tenderly.
"Of course, my lord husband. These men are heroes and will be treated as such." nodded the Lady of Moat Cailin. She faced the group that saved her husband and smiled at them.
"You have my gratitude, good men of the North. Thank you for bringing my husband to me."
Eddard looked slightly embarrassed at the praise but puffed his chest nonetheless in pride. He saw his father and the two ex-kingsguards nodding at him in respect. Very few would have gone to the south in a time of war and uncertainty but he went without a hint of hesitation.
:-[T.A.B]-:
The feast had been a success. The atmosphere had been jovial and full of friendship. When Harry proclaimed that every man who had accompanied Eddard would be a member of his new personal guard and given a bounty of two gold dragons each, the music and dancing began again with more intensity. Even Ser Barristan and Ser Lewyn had both taken a single glass of wine, due to the festivities.
The young Lord of Moat Cailin was happy to see all of his men enjoying themselves, as it was very rare in the North to even smile. He had the intention of creating some king of annual festival with games where the smallfolk could show off their skills. At first, he would be costly, but he hoped that in the future, other lords would come to his festival to do some trading, therefore bringing more money to Midgards and Moat Cailins coffers.
After the feast, Lord Rickard continued his promise to leave him alone for the evening, which he passed with Sura, reassuring her that he was perfectly fine, except for the fact that he was exhausted.
The next day Harry had a meeting with the Stark family about Oberyn Martell arriving at White Harbor by ship. Apparently, the Prince of Dorne had finally arrived with his two thousand men and was on his way to Moat Cailin with a small escort from the northern town. Ser Lewyn was extremely happy to see his nephew after all this time. The news brought even more joy within the castle, even if the Dornish didnt had a good reputation. Lewyn Martells word on his nephew being a great warrior was helping with the morale of everyone.
The preparation for the siege was doing very well. Even though no one knew King Rhaegars real plan of invasion, everyone knew Moat Cailin would play a pivotal role in this story. Food was stocked to the rim and good drinking water also. Stack upon stack of arrows and different weapons were made and imported from various lords and castles every single day. Over and all, Moat Cailin was becoming a castle to be feared once again.
:-[T.A.B]-:
Tywin Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock and the Westerland was riding at the head of his host in the direction of the gates of Harrenhal. The entirety of his kingdom had followed him in this stupid war, created by an equally stupid king. Now, he had to followed a man so mad, that he thought. The only reason he did it, was because his own daughter was about to be Queen of Westeros. He himself had been remove from his position of Hand of the King by the Old Falcon, Jon Arryn.
He didnt mind really. Being already one of the most powerful men in the continent, he quickly discovered that serving under the orders of a mad man wasnt the best way to gain power. Especially when said mad man was burning people left and right for simply looking at him the wrong way.
Dressed in his red and gold armor, the Lion of the Rock was riding on his magnificent white horse surrounded by his family and knights. Jaime was proudly riding on his right, as his status as first-born should. Kevan was on his left, followed by the rest of his brothers. Cersei was inside her carriage, as she absolutely refused to ride ahorse from Casterly Rock to Harrenhal, where her ladies-in-waiting and her were probably gossiping.
Tywin entered Harrenhal without any problems, his scout having already sent word of his comings. The gates were already opened for him, just as he expected. Without even waiting for a signal, the Lord Paramount of the Westerlands passed the gates. Many Targaryens soldiers were watching him entered with his army, thus increasing the king's. They would still need to wait, per Rhaegar orders, Mace Tyrell and Jon Arryn.
'The King really wants to make a big show out of it isnt?' thought Tywin. 'He should have already sent his men to attack the North and even Dorne at the same time. Clearly, our new king doesn't have a military mind at all.'
The courtyard was full of tents, small fires and buzzing with men. A small boy came running at him, adorning the colors of the Targaryens.
"Milord," started the boy. "His Grace, King Rhaegar is aware of your arrival to Harrenhal. He wishes to speak with you as soon as possible in the Throne Room."
Tywin didnt answered the boy, only nodding in his direction. He suspected that the king would want to see him as soon as possible. He left the stable boys with his horse, Jaime's and Kevan's and entered the fortress. As with the courtyard, the castle was buzzing with Targaryen men. He could see the occupation was going well, as the men were carrying rubbles out of the castle to make place for his own troops.
The father of the next Queen of Westeros only moved his hand slightly at the soldiers guarding the door of Harrenhal. Immediately, said door opened, allowing him and his family to enter. The atmosphere was dark, even Tywin could feel it. Something terrible had happened here. Something not unlike Castamere after his deed during the Reynes Rebellion. It was something in the attitude, the eyes and the posture of the soldiers and guards. Even the servants were quick in their movements, walking fast and not looking at anyone, like they didnt want to provoke the lords and ladies. The rumours about the extermination of House Whent must have been true.
Tywin had to make Jaime look in front on him, as the boy was looking around him with a stupid look on his face. He needed to learn how to act like a lord and like someone of his importance. He was a Lannister of Casterly Rock, his son and heir, not some baboon like the Tyrells.
"You will stand up straight. This is the king, not a mere lord. Never look him in the eye, always at his feet. Speak only if you are addressed, never before. Do you understand?" said Tywin, his green eyes deep within Jaimes.
"Yes, Father. I understand."
"I hope you understand your future standing, Jaime. You are to be the good-brother of the King when your sister marries him in a fortnight. With your own future wife, your child will gain access to the Riverlands."
"But Father, Lady Catelyn as a baby brother, Edmund." Jaime said, not sure how to respond to his father.
"You are a young fool. Lord Hoster as lost many sons, surely this one will die also. This means power for the Lannister, I hope you understand how much power you and your sister will gain."
"Yes, Father." Jaime said, not sounding convince about is own marriage with the Lady Trout, as his sister called her.
Tywin grunted mentally at his son. He had so much potential and seemed only to like the sword and shield. At least he didnt have the vice of fucking women left and right like the Baratheons Heir was rumored to do.
Arrived at the Throne Room door, Tywin made sure his son was presentable one last time before he indicated to the valet that he was ready to be announce to the king. The servant only nodded before opening the door on his own.
"Here come, Lord Tywin Lannister, Lord Paramount of the Westerlands and Protector of the Rock." announced the man.
Tywin strode into the throne room proudly, his back straight. His red and gold armor gleamed against the torchlight. Many Crownlands and Riverlands lords were already present, some having accompany them from their lands and some after with their own modest armies. The king was sitting on the old Hoare throne that survived the Burning of Harrenhal by Aegon Targaryen eons ago.
The Lion of the Rock bended his knee, quickly imitated by his family and soldiers. Tywin didnt look at the king, not even his feet. He was waiting, his eyes close.
"Lord Tywin Lannister. I see you have finally arrived, good."
"Yes, your grace. We came to see you as soon as we learn you wanted to see us. My daughter, Cersei, is preparing herself to meet you..." started Tywin.
"No need. I will see your daughter the day I marry her in a fortnight when Lord Mace Tyrell arrived with his own army. Jon Arryn should be here in a week as the old man is taken with sickness but still travel to the royal wedding."
"As he should, your grace. The union of the Targaryens and the Lannisters can only make the Iron Throne stronger." said Tywin, still kneeling.
"Its is my belief also, yes." confirmed the king, before rising from his throne. "Rise, Lord Tywin. You too young man."
The Lion of the Rock rose up to his feet, watching subtly Jaime doing the same but still keeping his gaze down. Good. The boy is listening, at last. thought the boys father.
"We need to talk about the North invasion. The wedding can wait for the moment." continued the king.
Thank the Gods Cersei is not here to hear that. She would have screamed his head off, king or not. thought Tywin.
"The sorcerer has managed to steal another kingsguard of mine. Oswell Whent had fallen to the northerner's magic. Fortunately, Ser Arthur Dayne himself stopped him before he could leave with the rebels."
"I see. My thanks to the Sword of the Morning for his quick acting." bowed Tywin to the Dornish man who stayed completely still, like a statue. Even the Lord of Casterly Rock was slightly impressed by his faculty to be like stone. "Did the heathen managed to flee also, your grace?"
"Because of the Whent traitor, yes." Rhaegar said, his jaws tightening. "However, the past is in the past. Like I said earlier, we need to talk about the invasion."
"Yes, your grace. My fleet is ready to invade the North on its western coast by attacking House Glover and House Mormont on their shores. Like this we..."
"Who told you to plan, Lord Tywin?" the Lion of the Rock heard. The voice was slightly different from what he was used to by Rhaegar but still recognizable.
"Your grace, I offer apologies if I gave offense..."
"We shall attack the North directly by Moat Cailin and by burning the Neck. Your fleet will stay where I say to stay. We shall need your fleet for the Ironborn when the North will be put to the sword. Do I make myself clear, Lord Tywin?" almost snarled the king, not unlike his father use to do.
Due to his numerous years of experiences dealing with the previous king, Tywin was able to keep his face like stone, not showing a single hint of emotion to the present court. In his mind however, he was raging like a lion.
"Of course, your grace. Ill send word immediately to the Lannister Fleet to stay in Lannisport."
"Good. Youll do well to not offend me more, Lannister. Who knows what may happen to those who does. Now for the rest of the plan, we shall wait for the rest of the Lords Paramount. My plan is to be heard at one time by all of you. The meeting will take place the day after the Royal Wedding. Now, leave."
:-[T.A.B]-:
:-[Author Note: Next chapter, Sura is mad at Harry, Robert is freed and more!]-:
Thank you everyone for reading Chapter 31 of The adventure begins! Please let a review in the comment, letting me know what you think about my story or what you would like to see.
If you are interested in becoming an Alpha or Beta reader, contact me!
Criticism is always welcome as long as it is constructive.
To Sheploo: Aye... Rhaegar is truly gone.
To Wrixel: Than you so much for your king word. Happy holidays to you!
To Mark1: Indeed! Rhaegar is gone. For Arthur, you are right, only a shell of the man he used to be!
To BioHazard82: Thanks for the review my friend! Hope you liked this one also!
To Nysk: Or will she?
To Blaze1992: Nah the other world should be okay. Should.